Responsive dispersion from compartment in aqueous solution

ABSTRACT

The invention is an apparatus unit that adjusts the dispersion from a compartment to an aqueous solution in response to an independent variable such as an environmental factor, in order to optimize seeding, marking, warning or treatment. The compartment enables any selection of solids, liquids or gasses to be contained and mixed when ready for dispersion. A preferred embodiment is a solar powered pump, self-contained within a buoy over a shallow tidal pool, for the purpose of distributing seeds for marine vegetation under ideal conditions for propagation. The unit provides for sensing and measurement of the environment, then adapting the dispersion for optimum effect.

REFERENCES CITED

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 2,865,618 January 1956 A. S. Abell 3,210,053August 1964 C. F. Boester 3,662,890 May 1972 Grimshaw 3,778,233 December1973 Blough et al. 4,166,086 August 1979 Wright 4,242,199 December 1980Kelley 4,350,143 September 1982 Laing et al. 4,412,924 November 1983Feather 4,732,682 March 1988 Rymal 4,906,350 March 1990 Cox, Jr.5,184,559 February 1993 Swanson 5,194,144 March 1993 Blough 5,217,581June 1993 Ewing 5,221,312 June 1993 Buhidar 6,276,057 August 2001 Aiharaet al. 6,348,622 February 2002 Deutsch et al. 6,676,837 January 2004Keeton, Jr. 6,997,642 Febraury 2006 Bishop 7,490,565 February 2009 Holly7,736,509 June 2010 Kruse 7,749,386 July 2010 Voutchkov 7,832,959November 2010 Groen et al. 8,277,627 October 2012 Ganzi et al. 8,336,467December 2012 Schaffert 8,343,548 January 2013 Kusaki et al. 8,529,764September 2013 Keeton 8,576,668 November 2013 Rhodes et al. 8,585,882November 2013 Freydina 8,682,493 March 2014 Campbell et al. 8,682,494March 2014 Magro et al. 8,751,052 June 2014 Campbell et al. 8,752,771June 2014 Warren et al. 8,763,856 July 2014 Livingston et al. 8,771,477July 2014 Thiers 8,795,510 August 2014 Porat 8,853,872 October 2014Clidaras et al. 8,857,798 October 2014 Sparrow et al. 8,887,654 November2014 Hoefler 8,915,453 December 2014 Sherry 8,924,027 December 2014Fadell et al. 8,924,031 December 2014 Evett et al. 8,955,445 February2015 Riffel 8,986,628 March 2015 Stone et al. 8,993,679 March 2015 Imotoet al. 2001/0040125 A1 November 2001 Wada et al. 2005/0167858 A1 August2005 Jones et al. 2009/0272689A1 November 2009 Ladouceur US2008/0115715A1 May 2008 Del Tosto et al. 2009/0223508 September 2009 Hinderling2012/0230145 A1 September 2012 Ladouceur

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS OTHER PUBLICATIONS

-   Bouet, Remy; 2005, “AMMONIA: Large-scale atmospheric dispersion    tests” translation of French report “AMMONIAC: Essais de dispersion    d'ammoniac a grande echelle—INERIS-DRA-RBo-1999-20410. R. Bouet”,    Ineris-Accident Risks Division, Work Study N 10072-   De'ath, Glen et al, 2012, “The 27-Year Decline of Coral Cover on the    Great Barrier Reef and Its Causes,” published online (PNAS Online)    for National Academy of Sciences-   Dev, Soumyabrata; Savoy, Florian M.; Lee, Yee Hui; Winkler, Stefan;    2014, “WAHRSIS: A Low-cost, High-Resolution Whole Sky Imager with    Near-Infrared Capabilities”, Singapore 639798, Advanced Digital    Sciences Center (ADSC), University of Illinois at Urbana-Campaign,    Singapore 138632-   Fitt, W. K. and Warner, M. E., 1995, “Bleaching patterns of four    species of Caribbean reef corals,” Biol. Bull. 189, 298-307.-   Gates, R. D., 1990, “Seawater temperature and sublethal coral    bleaching in Jamaica,” Coral Reefs 8, 193-197.-   Hoegh-Guldberg, O. and Jones, R. J., 1999, “Photoinhibition and    photoprotection in symbiotic dinoflagellates from reef-building    corals,” Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 183, 73-86.-   Hoegh-Guldberg, O. and Smith, G. J., 1989, “The effect of sudden    changes in temperature, light and salinity on the population density    and export of zooxanthellae from the reef corals Stylophora    pistillata Esper and Seriatopora hystrix Dana,” J. Exp. Mar. Biol.    Ecol. 129, 279-303.-   Johnson, Zackary I. et al., 2013, “Dramatic Variability of the    Carbonate System at a Temperate Coastal Ocean Site (Beaufort, N.C.)    is Regulated by Physical and Biogeochemical Processes on Multiple    Timescales”, PLOS ONE-   Leichter, J. J., Helmuth, B., Fisher, A. M. 2006, “Variation beneath    the surface: quantifying complex thermal environments on coral reefs    in the Caribbean, Bahamas and Florida,” J. Mar. Res. 64, 563-588.-   Lull, H. W., 1959, “Soil Compaction of Forest and Range Lands”, U.S.    Dept. of Agriculture, Forestry Service, Misc. Publication No. 768-   Mayfield, Anderson B. et al, 2012, “The effects of a variable    temperature regime on the physiology of the reef-building coral    Seriatopora hystrix: results from a laboratory-based reciprocal    transplant”. in The Journal of Experimental Biology-   Moore, Kenneth A.; Jarvis, Jessie C.; 2008, “Environmental Factors    Affecting Recent Summertime Eelgrass Diebacks in the Lower    Chesapeake Bay: Implications for Long-term Persistence. Journal of    Coastal Research” (Special Issue 55: pp. 135-147 posted online    http://www.jcronline.org/doi/abs/10.2112/S155-014)-   Nolin, Robert, 2013, “South Florida Coral Reefs In ‘Extremely    Alarming’ Decline” in Sun Sentinel-   Putnam, Hollie M.; Edmunds, Peter, 2011, “The physiological response    of reef corals to diel fluctuations in seawater temperature”    published by in the Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and    Ecology, Volume 396, Issue 2, Pages 216-223-   Stevenson, J. Court; Piper, Catherine B.; and Confer, Nedra; 1979,    “Decline of Submerged Plants in Chesapeake Bay”-   Wenner, E. et al., “Characterization of the ASHEPOO-COMBAHEE-EDISTO    (ACE) Basin, South Carolina,” published online    (www.nerrs.noaa.gov/Doc/SiteProfile/ACEBasin/intro.htm) by SCHNR    Marine Resources Research Institute-   Whier, John, 2001, “Mapping the Decline of Coral Reefs” in the NASA    publication Earth Observatory

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to systems and methods to disperse material inresponse to an independent variable such as water temperature or currentor the amount of sunlight. The system and methods can be used to managea local environment such as a seagrass bed, a coral reef or a protectedswimming area, but can also be applied to small local environments suchas a swimming pool, or expanded into a network covering a coastline.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The world is experiencing more extreme weather effects. Water, air andsunlight are almost always significant factors causing extreme weatherand also impacting human populations, plants and animals and the naturalenvironment in general. While there is debate as to the priority ofcontributing factors, man-made or natural, there is no doubt that thecontributions of various causes are cumulative: that is, an increaseddeviation to one causal factor will increase the likelihood and severityof weather events, and may be the critical tipping point for acatastrophic environmental change even if the relative contribution ofthat factor was small. Therefore it is beneficial to search all possiblesolutions to reduce the effects of contributing factors to this extremeweather.

The diebacks to marine grasses have been attributed to watertemperature, salinity and pH, and human impacts from dredging and anchordrags, among other factors. The impact to seagrasses has been similar tothat of coral reefs. Consider a 1979 report, Decline of Submerged Plantsin Chesapeake Bay (J. Court Stevenson, Catherine B. Piper and NedraConfer), where the authors write “Decline of the Bay Grasses The U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service Migratory Bird and Habitat Research Laboratory(MBHRL) and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources have monitoredthe occurrence of aquatic grasses in Maryland waters from 1971 to thepresent. These surveys constitute the main body of information onChesapeake Bay grasses. By combining data from over 600 samplingstations in 26 areas, they found that the percent of stations withgrasses decreased from about 28% at the start of the survey in 1971 toabout 10% in 1978. Although no comparable survey has been conducted inVirginia, spot measurements of submerged grass beds by the VirginiaInstitute of Marine Science reflect a similar decline.” Theseobservations are parallel to the effects seen for coral reefs. In onestudy, “The 27-Year Decline of Coral Cover on the Great Barrier Reef andIts Causes,” by Glen De'ath et al, the authors summarized, “Based on theworld's most extensive time series data on reef condition (2,258 surveysof 214 reefs over 1985-2012) we show a major decline in coral cover from28.0% to 13.8% (0.53% y-1), a loss of 50.7% of initial cover. Tropicalcyclones, coral predation by crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS), and coralbleaching accounted for 48%, 42%, and 10% of the respective estimatedlosses . . . ” and concluded this summary, “strategies can, however,only be successful if climatic conditions are stabilized, as losses dueto bleaching and cyclones will otherwise increase.” In an article“Mapping the Decline of Coral Reefs” by John Whier, the author wrote,“The latest reports state that as much as 27 percent of monitored reefformations have been lost and as much as 32 percent are at risk of beinglost within the next 32 years.” In another article, “South Florida CoralReefs In ‘Extremely Alarming’ Decline” by Robert Nolin, the authorstates, “A recent report by an international group of scientistsconcluded that coral reef growth, especially reefs in shallow water likethat offshore South Florida, has declined by as much as 70 percent.”Whatever a scientist may label this as the impact of climate change,global warming, or natural changes to water temperature, oxygen, pH andsalinity, the damage to seagrasses and coral is readily apparent.

A more recent 2008 posting online restated the trend and the causes.Kenneth A. Moore and Jessie C. Jarvis (2008) cite, “We investigated theeffects of several environmental factors on eelgrass abundance before,during, and after widespread eelgrass diebacks during the unusually hotsummer of 2005 in the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reservein Virginia . . . . Results indicate nearly complete eelgrass vegetativedieback during the July-August period of 2005, in contrast to the moreseasonal and typical declines in the summer of 2004 . . . . In 2005, thefrequency and duration of water temperatures exceeding 30° C. weresignificantly greater than that of 2004 and 2006. Additionally, thefrequencies of low dissolved oxygen excursions of 1-3 mg L⁻¹ during thisperiod were greater in 2005 than 2004 or 2006. These results suggestthat eelgrass populations in this estuary are growing near theirphysiological tolerances. Therefore, the combined effects of short-termexposures to very high summer temperatures, compounded by reduced oxygenand light conditions, may lead to long-term declines of this speciesfrom this system.” Considering the interdependence of life on earth tosalt water coral formations, this erosion has been put forth byscientists as a crisis for our future existence and health.

The interaction, balance and transformation of the ecosystem for marinegrasses or a coral reef is complex, and the scientific study even ofindividual factors such as sunlight is rather recent, due in part to thedifficulty of measuring aspects in a sub-sea region. The term “sunbleaching” is generalized to explain the white color of a dying reefformation, which is likely caused by several factors of temperature, pH,and others listed, and not singularly parallel to what is termedsunburn. But the effects of direct sunshine on temperature for an oceanreef have been proven. In “The physiological response of reef corals todiel fluctuations in seawater temperature” published by Hollie M. Putnamand Peter J. Edmunds, the authors summarize in the abstract, “theeffects of fluctuating temperatures on tropical scleractinian coralsarose when diurnal warming (as large as 4.7° C.) was detected over therich coral communities found within the back reef of Moorea, FrenchPolynesia. The authors explain in the article (p. 217) that “underwatertemperature fluctuates rapidly (i.e., up to −5° C. in <24 h) throughoutthe Florida Keys, the Bahamas, St. Croix, Belize, and Bonaire (Leichteret al, 2006), largely as a result of diurnal warming in shallow water(10 m), and tidal forcing and internal waves at greater depths (20-30m).” In another study, “The effects of a variable temperature regime onthe physiology of the reef-building coral Seriatopora hystrix: resultsfrom a laboratory-based reciprocal transplant” published by Anderson B.Mayfield et al., the authors summarize, “To understand the effects ofglobal climate change on reef-building corals, a thorough investigationof their physiological mechanisms of acclimatization is warranted.However, static temperature manipulations may underestimate the thermalcomplexity of the reefs in which many corals live. For instance, coralsof Houbihu, Taiwan, experience changes in temperature of up to 10° C.over the course of a day during spring-tide upwelling events.” In athird study, “Characterization of the ASHEPOO-COMBAHEE-EDISTO (ACE)Basin, South Carolina,” published by E. Wenner et al., the authorsexplain, “Diurnal variation in temperature was evident with warmesttemperatures occurring during the time interval of 1300-1800 hrs foreach month at both sites. This diel variation in temperature isillustrated for Big Bay Creek. (chart provided below)”

In yet a fourth study, “Dramatic Variability of the Carbonate System ata Temperate Coastal Ocean Site (Beaufort, N.C.) is Regulated by Physicaland Biogeochemical Processes on Multiple Timescales,” by Zackary I.Johnson et al., the authors noted “short-term spikes in the acidity ofthe estuary were driven by changes in temperature, water flow,biological activity and other natural factors . . . .”

Other trends include an increasing demand from the multiplying humanpopulation for fresh water, movement of water and purification of water,all simultaneous with a depletion of water stores from key regions andunpredictable climate impact to water conditions. Consider for theU.S.A. that California is mandating water rationing and regulations thatimpact the farmer and homeowner, but must be balanced to every businessentity such as a golf course or manufacturing facility. The ability toprovide water where it is needed, even if from a water source that wouldbe considered remote or inaccessible prior to this invention, or tomitigate the growing drought conditions can have enormous benefit.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

Many methods exist to disperse fluids or solids, such as sprinklers, inkjets, farm seeders and medical devices. Farming devices typically seekto deliver a prescribed quantity or moisture level through direct supplyof water. For example, Campbell et al.'s U.S. Pat. No. 8,751,052discloses a method to monitor soil moisture to set a threshold forirrigation, and would direct standard methods of flow irrigation.Campbell et al.'s U.S. Pat. No. 8,682,493 describes a plurality ofprofiles of moisture levels, salinity and temperature but would linkthese to common irrigation systems. As another example, Magro et al.'sU.S. Pat. No. 8,682,494 discloses methods to measure soil conditionssuch as salinity, temperature or moisture to prescribe direct action,and relies on common irrigation methods for that action.

Other devices attempt particular dispersion patterns or to distributeparticular substances for size or chemical properties. For example,Swanson's U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,559 describes a device to distribute seedevenly using a meter and a specially designed plate. Another example isAihara et al.'s U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,057 B1, which discloses a nozzlewith two orifices to prevent ink from clogging the print head. Holly'sU.S. Pat. No. 7,490,565 B2 describes a meter and drum to deliver seedsat a set rate. Schaffert's U.S. Pat. No. 8,336,467 B2 describes anextension for depositing both seed and liquid into a furrow. Kusaki etal.'s U.S. Pat. No. 8,343,548 B2 describes a chemical of a certain sizeto facilitate dosage of a poorly soluble solid. Livingston et al.'s U.S.Pat. No. 8,763,856 B2 describes introducing water to a measuring chamberto distribute powdered or liquid chemical to a washer. Riffel's U.S.Pat. No. 8,955,445 B2 describes an air intake system to distribute seedsat regular intervals. Stone et al.'s U.S. Pat. No. 8,986,628 B2describes a device to form discontinuous sections together in a fluid.Imoto et al.'s U.S. Pat. No. 8,993,679 B2 describes aqueous dispersionof fluorine-containing seed polymers by creating a coating film.

One drawback is that such systems are designed effectively as an on/offswitch, a timed delay function or a variable speed that provides partialdispersion. Control systems may measure the amount of fluid, seeds orsolid dispersed and adjust valves based on pressure or other internalcontrols. None of these systems has as an object to adjust thedispersion of material based on at least one independent variable suchas external environmental factor.

Porat's U.S. Pat. No. 8,795,510 B2 describes an automated pool cleanerthat uses an external probe for chlorine, then dispersing chlorine bygenerating an electrochemical reaction from sodium chloride in thedevice, or from the water outside the unit. The device is dedicated tochlorine, and does not provide a compartment where different materialscould be inserted, nor does it permit a choice of materials to insert.Furthermore, the test for the environmental factor of chlorine is nottruly independent because it will be influenced by the materialdispersed. While it is likely that this is a real operational limit ofthe Porat prior art, where the device would be stopping and starting aschlorine is dispersed and then measured at higher set points, thedistinctive aspect is that the variable used as a basis for dispersionis the same as the material dispersed, therefore the variable is notindependent.

An independent variable is a factor, condition, object, action, event orchange that exists or acts separately from the proposed device, model ormethod. In a statistical or mathematical model, we measure the group of“other” variables that are dependent or affected by the independentvariable. If we set up a matched control group where the independentvariable is held steady while our test group changes the independentvariable, or if we measure the group of dependent variables before andafter a state change for the independent variable, this can measure theaccuracy and effectiveness of a model. For this invention, theindependent variable is as a factor, condition, object, action, event orchange that occurs or acts separately from the apparatus and separatelyfrom the gas, fluid or solid to be dispersed. When dispersing seedsunderwater, current is an independent variable that may indicate optimumpropagation times.

One independent variable that may affect seagrass propagation is thedepth of water to the sea bed. Another independent variable may belength of day that indicates season. Another independent variable may bewind or current or rain, where stormy conditions could indicate theseeds would scatter outside of an ideal depth. Other variables may bepH, salinity, oxygen level or turbidity (as a proxy for fertilizerrunoff), for which different species may have different favorablecharacteristics. To contain several species of seeds and determine whichspecies is dispersed, or to change the rate of dispersion based on theseindependent variables, all can optimize the likelihood that seeds willpropagate and successfully cultivate a bed of sea grass.

The same mechanism could be applied to hatchlings of small fish if theobject is to repopulate an area with native or beneficial species. Thesame mechanism could provide a safety device to protect the habitat forgrasses, fish or people, by distributing a liquid or solid that repelspredators. The same mechanism could serve to warn people, bydistributing a liquid or solid that is readily apparent to people when apredator approaches. It is possible to use a sensor or computer aidedanalysis of sensors that identifies specifically an organism ofparticular color, size, speed or species.

None of the prior art provides an apparatus that responds toenvironmental sensors with a proportionate dispersion from acompartment. None of the systems adjust the aperture of a nozzletogether with the fluid pressure in response to independent variables,such as environmental stimuli, to disperse liquid or solid or gas. Noneof the existing systems seek to optimize the seed propagation for marinevegetation. None of the systems work together with natural forces suchas current and wind to disperse liquids or solids into an aqueoussolution.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

1. In general, the apparatus of the present invention comprises asensor, a processor, a pump and a nozzle with an adjustable aperture todisperse fluid or solids. A preferred embodiment uses solar panels topower a pump that sucks in sea water, mixes at least one liquid orsolid, and circulates the mixture back into the sea. Any number ofnatural phenomena could be used to power such apparatus, includingsunlight, tide, wave, water current, fire or earthquake. A computerdetermines the rate of the pump based on the sensor. One embodiment hascompartments each with the seeds of different species of seagrasses. Assensors send measurements of water current, temperature, pH and oxygento the computer, the computer processes this information to determinewhich species is best matched to the set of variables and then activatesa coil to mix those seeds into the circulating sea water, therebydispersing seeds with the best chance to cultivate. The M800multi-parameter transmitter from Mettler-Toledo International LLC inOhio, together with 4 sensors including pH, O2 and CO2, is an example ofa device that can be adapted and incorporated into the embodiment toprovide multiple sensors within the unit, or multiple sensors in aremote, subsea location transmitting measurements to the main apparatus.The Model 106 Lightweight Current Meter from Valeport Co. in the UK isan example of a low cost meter to measure liquid flow and direction. Analternate embodiment could have a sensor for the size of fish hatchlingsthat are contained in compartments, to combine with measurements of theenvironmental conditions, so as to adjust the aperture of the nozzle anddetermine the release time for different sizes of hatchlings. Analternate embodiment could derive power from at least one of naturalphenomena that include sunlight, wind, tide, wave, water current orearthquake by utilizing equipment to convert the natural energy intokinetic or electric power. The log and power unit, including equipmentfor power conversion and storage such as battery, can be used to storepower and information to disperse the liquid or solid at a later timethat is optimal and to use predictive modelling to set the decisionprotocol to disperse hatchlings.

The preferred embodiment measures water temperature, pH, salinity andoxygen. An alternative embodiment receives signals from submergedsensors in addition to sensors in the buoy. There are many ways toadjust the apparatus and the terms “adjust” or “adjustment” includes oneor more of activating, deactivating, turning, rotating, spinning, orotherwise changing the direction of, increasing the speed of or power ofa pump or pressure mechanism, increasing the pressure within or theaperture of a nozzle, activating a coil or screw, a solenoid, a flange,flap, gate or door, or other orifice on at least one compartment inaddition to a nozzle through which a mixture is dispersed. By grouping aseries of buoys along a sea bed or reef or oriented with prevailingcurrents and winds, it is possible to optimize the distribution. Analternative embodiment uses a system of networked apparatus buoys, eachalso equipped with the current flow meter and integrated with currentvelocity sensors similar to anemometers to measure current direction andspeed in total. The networked apparatus buoys selectively activate thebuoys that are best in position to distribute over a location, anddeactivate buoys in a position where the distribution is unlikely tocarry over the location. The system of apparatus units is networkedtogether with communication and processing. Such a buoy or system ofbuoys would be especially relevant to developing shallow sands or torestore barren sand beds after a seagrass dieback. Another solution suchas a treatment to facilitate germination may be coated onto the seeds asthey are distributed, or may be mixed in the solution as it isdistributed. The intent for the apparatus or the system of apparatusunits is to optimize the distribution of the seeds or hatchlings to thebest location at the best time for the best environmental conditions andmatched to the best species, size or other factors of the environmentand mixture. Hatchlings may include fish, crustaceans, plankton or anyorganism.

The unit provides for intermittent operation according to a range ofconditions when its effect is needed the most, therefore making the unitmore efficient and the benefit more targeted. The unit may beself-powering by use of solar panels, wind or current based generators,and store such power generated in batteries for use during optimalperiods of time. The unit may be self-contained, so that it can beself-controlled and be used in more remote places or separated fromman-made structures, power sources or monitoring and control. This buoyis able to be left unattended in the water or a fluid. The unit may havefeatures, measuring sensors and programming that enable the unit to bemore acutely responsive to environmental factors. The unit is automaticbut may add manual or remote controls and communications that permitadditional actions, reprogramming or data collection by humanintervention.

An alternative application can put a solution in the water as a markeror warning. An underwater sensor could detect if a large creature suchas a shark is approaching a protected swim area, and start pumping airbubbles, shark repellent or some natural substance such as seeds torepel the shark and to warn swimmers. This is analogous to sensing thepresence of such a creature and pumping water into the air, to warn theswimmers, as described in Zito et al.'s U.S. Patent application62/104,850 and U.S. Patent application 62/106,199, which arespecifically incorporated herein by reference for all that thesedisclose and teach.

It is therefore an object of the invention to disperse gas, fluid orsolid into an aqueous solution based on at least one independentvariable such as an external environmental factor.

It is a further object of the invention to adjust the dispersion,duration and rate of flow for a gas, solid or liquid into an aqueoussolution based on at least one independent variable.

It is a further object of the invention to provide at least onecompartment where any one of several gasses, solids or liquids may becontained to disperse into an aqueous solution based on at least oneindependent variable.

It is a further object of the invention to provide at least onecompartment where any one of several gasses, solids or liquids may becontained to disperse into an aqueous solution based on at least oneindependent variable, and to simultaneously or alternatively dispersematerial into the air based on at least one independent variable.

It is a further object of the invention to network a system of apparatusunits that will optimize the quantity of a solid or liquid into anaqueous solution through selective activation and deactivation ofindividual apparatus units.

It is a further object of the invention to log activity of theapparatus, a remote environment and visitors to the apparatus formanagement of the area, the apparatus and to inform interested parties.

It is a further object of the invention to store power and to usepredictive modelling in order to disperse a solid or liquid into anaqueous solution during times when the measurement of at least oneindependent variable may not be currently within a set range or whenexternal power is not currently available.

It is a further object of the invention to permit activation ordeactivation on the approach of selective vehicles, watercraft orcreatures.

It is a further object of the invention to disperse a gas, solid orliquid into an aqueous solution outside of the range where the solutionwould otherwise flow or fall by current alone.

The citations provided in this description are specifically incorporatedherein by reference for all that the citations disclose and teach. Otherobjects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention willbecome better understood or apparent from the following detaileddescriptions, drawings and appended claims of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic depiction of an embodiment of the dispersionapparatus with a compartment for solids to disperse into an aqueoussolution responsive to an environmental factor.

FIG. 2 shows an isolated depiction of the sensors, processing andcontrol loop for water temperature, pH, salinity and oxygen andautomatic adjustment of the pump nozzle, and shows a depiction of thesolar panels, power converter and battery.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment where multiple units, providing measurementof independent variables to adjust dispersion of a gas, solid or liquidinto an aqueous solution and dispersion of liquid into the air, as anetwork are deployed over a sea bed.

FIG. 4 shows a decision protocol for a system of multiple units similarto the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic depiction of an embodiment of the dispersionapparatus with self-propulsion and fixed by two tether lines to directmovement.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic depiction of an embodiment of the dispersionapparatus for placement in a swimming pool and using several remoteprobes for pH and people to adjust the dispersion of chlorine and otherchemicals.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 shows a schematic depiction of an embodiment of the dispersionapparatus [100] for controlled dispersion responsive to an independentvariable, with cross-section of internal components [101] in FIG. 1b .The apparatus [100] is a self-contained buoy with retrieval ring forboats [110], similar to buoys used to tether crab or lobster pots. Thebuoy is tied by rope and anchor chain [115] to a fixed ring and weightembedded in the ocean floor, and by way of this tether the buoy will befixed to this location and will remain generally in its intended uprightposition with the heavier balanced portion [116] below the waterline,regardless of wave and wake action. Despite the weight of the tether,the apparatus unit floats. Within the external housing of the buoy,below the waterline, is a sensor [120] that measures an independentvariable, in this instance reading the external environmental factor ofwater temperature. An example of a common water temperature gauge wouldbe model WD-93823-00 sold by Novatech International, produced by Oakton.The upper part of the external housing [117], above the waterline, is aclear, durable plastic, which permits sunlight [135] to enter and beabsorbed by solar panel collectors [130]. The plastic housing is durableto withstand accidental impact from boats or other objects. Described inFIG. 1b , the exploded, cross-section view of internal components [101],the solar panels [130] are connected to power generating equipment [132]and to a battery [133] that will store power generated. The powergenerating equipment [132] provides power for a central processor [140]that powers the devices such as the sensor [120] and computer datastorage device [150], for communications equipment [155], for a waterpump [160], and for a coil screw [170] that adjusts mixture from thecompartment [171] to the channel where water is pumped. In thisembodiment, there is a rubber seal [172] around the coil screw [170]that keeps the area within the compartment [171] dry, at a differentialmoisture or in general as a controlled environment suitable to store thematerial prior to mixing with the sea water to be dispersed. The buoyhas an opening [165] in the bottom that is an intake to a water pump[160] and is not open to the interior cavity of the buoy that containssolar panels [130], processor [140], data storage [150], communicationsequipment [155], device wiring [152] and power unit [132] andcompartment [171]. The sensor [120] for water temperature collectsreadings every 15 seconds and the data is processed by processor [140]and stored in the data storage device [150]. The solar panels [130]collect solar energy and the power unit [132] converts this to energy tomaintain the battery [133] at full charge and to power the processor,which in turn powers the other devices such as the sensor [120]. Whenthe water temperature reaches a minimum level, then a signal is sent tothe processor, which activates the coil screw [170] and the pump [160]to start pumping. It is possible to use other sensors to measure pH,salinity, current or other independent variables and act as a trigger.When the pump [160] operates, it sucks sea water through the opening[165] in the bottom of the buoy and trajects it in a center channel[166] out through the opening [167] of the buoy into the water. Theapparatus may have a screen of fine mesh over the openings [165] [167]to protect the pump [160] from objects and to protect organisms frombeing sucked into the opening [165]. The apparatus may also use anyvariety of tripper rods near the opening [165] that interrupt the pumpand delay its restart when such a rod is pushed or squeezed, to act as asafety mechanism from people or creatures near the pump [160]. Such asafety scheme could also be used on the outer rim of the buoy apparatus[100] at the waterline where a swimmer in distress could approach thebuoy [100] and the buoy would shut off. The sensor [120] of theapparatus [100] continues to read and record water temperature every 15seconds. While the water temperature remains above a set point, the coilscrew [170] and the pump [160] continue to operate. As the watertemperature lowers, the coil screw [170] and the pump [160] areaccelerated to disperse more seeds. When the water temperature risesabove a set point, then the coil screw [170] and the pump [160] willdeactivate. The set points to deactivate the coil screw [170] and thepump [160] may be above the initial activation points for watertemperature.

In an alternate embodiment, the unit [100] is also in communication witha remote sensor to measure water temperature at another location of thereef or sea bed, such sensors using wireless communications. In thisembodiment, the unit may be directed by the processing of thetemperature readings at the buoy [110] and at the reef to adjustdispersion. There are a variety of methods to take readings and analyzeresults, including the differential gain in temperature at two differentpoints or historically at two different points when a unit [100] isactivated compared to when a unit [100] is not activated, and theexample given here is not limiting of how such sensors may be deployed.

In an alternate embodiment, the unit [100] also includes a currentdirection and speed indicator, like a wind vane integrated with ananemometer, to determine if the unit [100] is activated, so that seedswill be dispersed when the current is expected to carry seeds over atarget shallow region, and the unit [100] will not be activated ifcurrent is flowing in an alternate direction. It is possible to usedepth gauges or GPS tracking or other location devices to determine theposition or proximity of the unit [100] in addition to current directionand speed, and in combination with sensors for water temperature, pH,salinity and oxygen in order to disperse seeds at the most favorableconditions and location. It is possible that several such units [100]deployed in the same region but operating independently will result indispersion by units [100] with a favorable position and currentdirection but a dormant state of units [100] with an unfavorableposition or current direction.

In an alternate embodiment, the processor, data storage and sensors ofthe unit compare current readings and trend of readings for the mostrecent two week period with historical patterns of weekly periods orsimilar calendar weeks from previous years, to determine a probabilitythat the sunlight and water temperature will proceed to a prolongeddeactivation, what may commonly be referred to as a prediction ofprolonged fatal temperature. For such a prediction model, the unit maybe programmed to activate the dispersion at a higher rate prior to thepredicted fatal temperature so as to optimize survival and benefit ofthe seeding. In such an embodiment, it may be efficient to use batterypower to operate the pump over a time period that power is draining fromthe battery faster than the solar panels are able to charge the battery,due to the current lower amount of sunlight.

The unit may utilize a pump, propeller, paddle, impeller, boiler,heating element, compression valve, bellows or pressure mechanism toachieve the release from the compartment and to achieve the trajectory,force, duration or pattern of the dispersion of the material. Thepreferred embodiment uses a pump with rotating plastic impeller in achamber to create water pressure in a chamber where the water can exitthrough a small aperture in the side. The result of this pressurizedseawater through the small aperture is to traject the mixture of seedsand water in a favorable direction. Alternate embodiments may employmore powerful pumps to disperse seeds in a broader pattern or to attemptto place seeds to a location where the seeds would not land by the forceof gravity or current alone.

An alternate embodiment may cool or heat the seawater or seeds to bedispersed. The ability to integrate or combine cooling or heatingelements is not assessed here for the overall impact on the marineenvironment. There may be a wide array of technologies thatdifferentially transfer heat from the water into the air, or transferheat from an extreme part of the day to a less extreme period. A heatingelement, which is a typical feature added to some humidity dispersiondevices, serves as an example for this embodiment of adding andintegrating features. There are a variety of heating elements, boilers,compression valves and compression vacuum methods that could be employedto heat the seawater. Such heated water may rise within a larger body ofwater and thereby carry seeds or material inclusions farther.

In an alternate embodiment, the buoy includes the apparatus of Zito etal.'s U.S. Patent application 62/104,850 and U.S. Patent application62/104,850. Zito et al.'s U.S. Patent application 62/104,850 and U.S.Patent application 62/106,199 are specifically incorporated herein byreference for all that they disclose and teach. The processor of thisalternate embodiment uses computer code to interpret sensor data andhistorical patterns to determine optimal nozzle aperture to integratewith other dispersion features to disperse water into the air. In thisalternate embodiment, the buoy apparatus is dispersing seeds into thesea and also dispersing water into the air, either simultaneously,alternately or independently. The processor may optimize dispersion ofthe seeds and the water relative to the power production andconsumption. This embodiment may alternatively be designed to introducethe seeds into the channel for pumping water into the air, so as totraject the seeds farther or in a specific direction, such as towardshallow water. This embodiment may alternatively use the processor todetermine when to mix the seeds into the channel for sea watercirculated beneath the water surface, or to mix the seeds into thechannel for sea water pumped into the air. One design is to have twocoil screws from the compartment, where one coil screw is connected tothe channel that circulates water beneath the surface and the other coilscrew is connected to the channel that pumps water into the air, andeither or both coil screws can operate at a time. Another design coulduse a diverter in combination with the coil screw to determine whichchannel receives seeds for mixture. Another design could use a diverterwith one inlet channel for water, to select one outlet channel or bothto pump or circulate water, and to introduce seeds to the inlet channelor outlet channels for mixture and dispersion.

In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus includes communicationequipment to send or receive signals to boats, stations, and other unitsor controllers. The processor may receive a signal from a centralstation to override the control and activate the pump. The processor mayreceive a signal from an approaching boat to override the control anddeactivate the pump. An alternate embodiment may include a separatecompartment with a dye pack or other marker that is mixed with the seedsto be dispersed, so that the path and location of the dispersion can beseen or recorded. The embodiment may include visual and auditorysignaling equipment, such as a whistle or lights, to alert a managerthat seeds are being dispersed.

FIG. 2 shows an isolated depiction of the sensors, processing andcontrol loop for a pH meter [280], water temperature gauge [220], remotetemperature gauge [225] and automatic adjustment of the coil screw[270], and shows a depiction of a solar panel [230] and power converter[232]. A wide variety of pH meters and temperature gauges are available.There are a variety of communication methods available for sensors,including direct line and wireless transmitter and receiver. In thisexample, the remote sensor [225] has been placed to provide a relativelyunobstructed path for wireless communication, and the transmitter [226]uses a short range radio wave that is capable to reach the receiver[227] in the buoy apparatus. The remote sensor [225] measures and sendsdata at regular 15 second intervals.

The data is processed by the processor [240] using computer code [246]together with data from the data storage device [250] that includesprior measurements, historical data and predictive models. It ispossible to include one or more of a variety of additional gauges tomeasure salinity and oxygen level and to send this data to the processor[240]. When measurements of the current conditions of water temperature,pH, salinity and oxygen level reach set points determined as fixed setpoints and adjusted by predictive models, the processor [240] then sendsa signal to the coil screw [270] and the pump [260] to activate. Theprocessor creates a composite score for the measurements and adjustedset point based on historical patterns and predictive model. Thiscomposite score is recorded in the data storage unit with date and timeand a log of the pump activity and coil screw. Another gauge [221] inthe compartment is measuring the quantity loaded or the quantityremaining of the material to be dispersed, and this measurement is sentto the processor to be integrated with the composite score. The measuredquantity loaded or remaining could be a weight, volume or count of itemsor solids in the compartment or container. The composite score is alsoused to adjust the rate of the coil screw [270] and the pump [260]. Assubsequent measurements are received, processed and interpreted with thehistorical data and predictive model into an adjusted composite score,the coil screw [270] and the pump [260] are accelerated to deliver morevolume dispersed, or decelerated and as a result less volume dispersed.In this example, the nozzle aperture [265] is adjusted to affect thevolume of water dispersed and to control the seeds dispersed. A rotatingplate [266] is beneath the outlet will further assist the dispersion ofthe seeds. As the speed of rotation for the plate [266] is increased,the seeds will disperse in a wider pattern. It is possible to adjust thenozzle aperture, the rotating plate and the pump speed for waterpressure all together to optimize the pattern of the mixture dispersed.

Weather satellite [290] measurements can be sent in a signal received bythe apparatus receiver [227] and included in the compilation of data andpredictive model for interpretation and determination of the compositescore used to activate and adjust the coil screw, pump and nozzle. Theapparatus may use the advantage of local, low altitude and lessexpensive measurements directly from apparatus sensors together withdata received from high altitude and expensive measurements such assatellite-based spectroscopy, to deliver a more robust weather analysis,predictive model and resulting dispersion. The results and collectivelog are sent by signal from the apparatus to a central land station[295] where the information assists to understand and predict weatherpatterns. The data could just as easily be sent to any number ofexternal entities such as satellites, air or sea craft. A manager at thecentral land station [295] reviews more regional weather data and basedon this broader perspective sends a signal to the apparatus receiver[227], interpreted by the processor [240], and the processor overridesthe current programmed direction to send a signal to adjust the coilscrew [270], the pump [260] and nozzle [265] for a prescribed period oftime.

An approaching person has an RFID tag [298] on a controller, which sendsa signal to the buoy receiver [227] and the processor interprets thesignal using computer code. The person's controller could just as easilytransmit a special code or use any variety of signal systems to bereceived by the apparatus. Based on the processor interpretation of thesignal, the processor sends a signal to the coil screw [270] and thepump [260] to deactivate until given another signal to reactivate. Whiledeactivated, the person is able to secure the buoy apparatus to manageits operation, place materials into the compartment, download date orotherwise observe and maintain its condition. The processor [240] sendsdata to the data storage [250] that includes the identification numberof the person's RFID tag or controller, the initial time of the visit,the activity of the coil screw [270] and the pump [260] as they aredeactivated, and the terminal time of the visit and the reactivation ofthe coil screw [270] and the pump [260]. During the visit, the buoyapparatus continues to receive sensor measurements of water temperature,pH, salinity and oxygen level and logs this data in the data storage.

The embodiment also shows zinc blocks [299] on the underside of thebuoy. The buoy has generally been designed to expose only plastic and nometal on the external surfaces, and plastic tubing with plastic impellerinside the water pump. However, it is difficult to prevent exposure ofall metal parts to the water, and furthermore boats with various exposedmetal parts may tie to the buoy that has electrical charges within. Ifonly for convenience, zinc blocks are placed on the underside to reducegalvanism, and there are a variety of other standard methods to reducecorrosion.

An alternate embodiment, the seeds to be dispersed are held in theiroriginal stalks or pods at the top of the compartment, so that when theseeds are released and therefore ready to germinate, they willaccumulate on a plate at the bottom of the compartment, said plate fixedwith a weight sensor that will signal the processor the seeds in thatcompartment are ready to be dispersed and therefore enable activation.It is possible to arrange multiple compartments with seed pods that areof different species or otherwise likely to germinate at differenttimes, and hereby provide a continuous stream of material that is readyto be dispersed at their individually optimum times.

An alternate embodiment uses seedlings in a compartment that are alreadygerminated, together with a solution that fosters their growth and asensor that determines their size, color, density or a proxy for theirmaturity, then adjusting the nozzle aperture and releasing thegerminated seedlings when they are best able to root in the sea bed. Analternate embodiment uses another compartment with a coating, solution,or different material that will foster rooting of the seedlings in thesea bed. For example, as the seedlings are dispersed, the water flowcould shift to add more sand, so that the final mixture is mostly sandthat covers the seedlings deposited, holding them in place and givingthe seedlings more surface to take root. An alternate embodiment may usea magnifying lens, prism or light to focus sunlight or augment sunlighttoward the seedlings in the compartment, as seedlings are dispersed, oron the sea bed where seedlings are dispersed, to promote germination orgrowth.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment where multiple units [300] are deployedaround an ocean seagrass bed [310]. A compass marking [315] and currentdirection [317] are indicated on the drawing relative to the seagrass[310]. Each of the units [300] is independently able to perform thefunctions described for example in FIG. 2. Each of the units [300] isable to receive signals from its own sensors, process signals togetherwith computer code and historical data and predictive models retrievedfrom its data storage device and determine whether to activate ordeactivate its coil screw pump and what adjustments, if any, to make toits nozzle aperture and speed of its pump to generate a target pressure.Each of the units [300] is able to determine this activation anddeactivation as default if no signal or directive is received from anexternal entity, satellite [390], watercraft or person, central controlstation [395] or other units [300].

FIG. 3 also shows typical mooring buoys [386] that are not apparatusunits, within a chart of all the apparatus units [300] and typical buoys[386]. The apparatus buoys [300] are each deployed with signal receiversand processing code to accept signals from approaching boats andinterpret those signals to deactivate its coil screw and pump. Boats areencouraged to pay membership dues for use of the apparatus buoys [300]and receive their individually identifying access code. Boats thatchoose not to join can access the public buoys [386]. Member boats canalso access the public buoys [386] but will most likely access themember apparatus units [300] as these are placed closer to preferreddive locations. An example apparatus buoy [305] is within a naturepreserve where divers previously paid a visitation fee, and for whichthe nature park now carries a surcharge with each visit logged by thebuoy [305] and signaled to the central station [395] to tally and emaila monthly levy to each respective boat owner.

The design or layout of apparatus buoys [300] placed around the reef andsoutheasterly current as indicated by the current direction [317] andcompass marking [315] are to indicate that the system of buoys [300]have been positioned to deliver the effect of the total distribution forthe most number of days over the most area of the seagrass or shallowsand. To do this requires knowledge of the prevailing currents over theshallows, which can be obtained from local historical records or fromplacing a few of the system buoys [300] in advance to collectenvironmental data before deploying the network of buoys. According tothe design, a current direction vane on each apparatus buoy [300] willmeasure direction linked with a gauge that will measure current speed.The measurement for each buoy will be sent to its processor, along withwater temperature and pH at the buoy and from remote sensors submergedat the reef. It may be that the signal sent from submerged gauges cannotbe received by all buoys [300] in the region, due to variousobstructions, but those buoys [300] that receive the signal will includethe data in its processing, composite interpretations and overall datapacket that the processors of the apparatus buoys [300] send by signalto the central station [395]. Each sensor, whether remote or attached toa buoy, can have an identifying number as part of its data packet, sothat a remote sensor's measurement is not counted multiple times by theprocessor of the central station [395]. The processor of the centralstation [395] will log all measurements, identifying numbers and timesto its data storage device, and this information will also be comparedto previous measurements and activity of the buoys to determine anyeffectiveness of prior strategies employed. For example, if a managerreviews the units and determines that a large portion of seeds were notdistributed at their optimum stage of germination, then this data can beput into the predictive models and the selection protocol for futurestrategies may change. The central station [395] receives the data fromeach of the apparatus buoys [300] and also receives data from weathersatellite [390] readings of the area as well as predictive models forregional weather. A processor at the central station [395] compiles thisdata and determines a strategy for the system of apparatus buoys [300].As an alternative, the processor may send a visual display of themeasurements and rank order of strategies considered to a display screenwhere a manager can review the data and confirm or change the strategyselected. The direction of the apparatus or system can be furthermodified by signals created through interaction by a manager, operator,driver, or interested parties with the presentation or display. As analternative, the processor may assign probabilities to the rank order ofstrategies, and may use a random number generator to select a secondrank strategy or even a suboptimal strategy to test empirically thesoundness of the processor's decision algorithms, so to further refineits predictive modelling. The processor will then proceed to employ itsstrategy selected, or alter the strategy and direction if a managerinterrupts and commands the processor to do so. The central station thensignals each of the apparatus buoys [300] with directions to theprocessor of each whether to activate its coil screw and pump and forwhat adjustment to its nozzle, or to deactivate its coil screw and pump.The buoys [300] in the best strategic locations will be activated, whilethe buoys [303] in unfavorable locations will remain dormant. Theoverall effect is to generate a distribution pattern to the best shallowlocations that need to be cultivated. At other times or days, thecurrent may be flowing in a different direction and at different speed,and the central station may determine a different strategy to activatedifferent apparatus buoys [300] while leaving others inactive.

If the signal from a particular buoy [308] is not received by thecentral station [395], then the central station [395] will omit itspresentation or interpolate its data from the nearest buoys to determinethe best strategy. When the central station [395] sends a signal withdirections to each of the apparatus buoys [300], each of the buoys [300]will process the signal, follow the directions and return a confirmationsignal to the central station [395]. If the central station [395] doesnot receive a confirmation signal from a particular buoy [308] then themanager at the central station [395] may choose to wait a period of timeto determine if the condition corrects, or may direct a member boat tovisually observe any deviation to the buoy [308] that would interferewith signal transmission or reception.

As a member boat arrives at a buoy [305] and that buoy [305] deactivatesits coil screw and pump, that buoy [305] sends a signal to the centralstation [395]. The central station [395] may signal a neighboring buoy[306] to increase dispersion to compensate temporarily for the absenceof the buoy [305] used by the boat. The buoys [300] continue to monitorreadings from their individual sensors and from remote sensors in thearea. The data for these readings are sent by signal to the centralstation [395], which processes the signals and stores data in a centraldata storage device. The entire set of data can be analyzed to determineeffectiveness of the system to disperse seeds and refine predictivemodels of diel patterns for water temperature, pH, salinity and otherfactors. On different days, the central station [395] processor canselect secondary strategies that might have been predicted to besub-optimal, to determine and analyze the effectiveness as compared topredicted results, historical results for optimal or comparablestrategies, or theoretical estimates for what experts in the field mayhave projected, estimated or suggested. One strategy that can be testedis to predict pH and water temperature in advance of rainy periods basedon weather readings, time of year, historical patterns and whether thepump operated within the past 72 hours. The objective of this strategywould be to test whether turning on the coil screw and pump in advanceof weather changes is a more efficient method to mitigate harmfulenvironmental conditions for germination. It is therefore an object ofthe system strategy to optimize the timing of distribution for maximumgermination in target zones.

FIG. 4 shows a decision protocol for an alternative embodiment of thesystem depicted in FIG. 3, with the decision protocol for an individualbuoy apparatus [400] embodiment as depicted in FIG. 2. If an individualbuoy does not receive any signal from the central station [470] then theindividual buoy apparatus [400] will default to its individual decisionprotocol.

In FIG. 4, the individual buoy apparatus [400] has a processor receivingsignals [425] from attached sensors such as a water thermometer [420],current direction and speed gauge [422], pH gauge or other sensors. Thecurrent direction and speed gauge [422] would indicate if the particularbuoy apparatus [400] is in position to disperse seeds over the targetarea, for example. A current direction and speed gauge [422] could alsoindicate how to adjust the nozzle aperture to optimize the pressure andtherefore the force needed to direct seeds over the target area, forexample. The individual buoy apparatus [400] also receives signals [425]sent from remote sensors such as a thermometer in the reef [460], andsends this group of data to its processor [426]. The processor sendsthis data packet to its transmitter to send [427] to the central station[495]. The processor also proceeds to process a default direction [428]by comparing the sensor measurements to set points.

The central station [495] receives data signals [485] from eachindividual buoy apparatus [400] and also receives signals [485] sentfrom weather satellite signals [490], regional data feeds by computer orinternet [491] and other information sources. The processor logs thisdata to its center data storage device [450] and proceeds to processcode [446]. In processing code [446], the processor pulls historicaldata from the data storage device, pulls prediction models and strategicalgorithms and the current data for comparison. The processor can alsocompare current data with prior strategies to assign or alter odds orprobabilities that it attaches to strategies as an indication of thesuccess of that strategy, thereby refining its predictive models. Fromthis processing [446], the processor will select a preferred strategyalong with secondary strategies and sub-optimal strategies and evendisadvantageous actions [447]. The processor may assign probabilities tothe rank order of strategies, and may use a random number generator toselect a second rank strategy or even a suboptimal strategy to testempirically the soundness of the processor's decision algorithms, so tofurther refine its predictive modelling. The processor of the centralstation [495] will display the data and rank order of strategiesselected on a computer monitor or display screen for a manager's review[475]. The manager can choose to monitor or can intervene to override[476] the strategy selected. The processor will then proceed to employits strategy selected, or alter the strategy and direction if a managerinterrupts and commands the processor to do so. The processor sends thedirection for each individual apparatus buoy [400] by transmitter [496]to the receiver for each individual apparatus buoy [400], which receivesits direction signal [470].

Each individual apparatus buoy [400] will activate or deactivate itscoil screw and pump and adjust its nozzle or any other actions [471]based on the direction received [470] from the central station [495], orbased on its default selection based on set points [428] if no signalwas received. If a person approaches [465] or an authorized boatapproaches [466] within range to have a signal received, the processorof the individual apparatus buoy [400] processes an interrupt signal tohalt the coil screw and pump and ensure there is no interference ordanger to the person or boat. The status of the individual apparatusbuoy [400], in terms of coil screw, pump, nozzle and other devicefunctions, is transmitted [481] to the central station [495]. Theinformation of the current status is received [485] by the centralstation [495] and merged with the continuous stream of data on sensorreadings received [485] by the central station [495]. Therefore the loopof activity and measurements and processing of decision protocols is anongoing process.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic depiction of an embodiment of the dispersionapparatus placed in the ocean along a sandbar [510]. A compass marking[515] and current direction [517] are indicated on the drawing relativeto the sandbar [510]. Each of the apparatus units [500] is independentlyable to perform the functions described for example in FIG. 2. Each ofthe units [500] is able to receive signals from its own sensors [520],process signals together with computer code and historical data andpredictive models retrieved from its data storage device and determinewhether to activate or deactivate its coil screw and pump and whatadjustments, if any, to make to its nozzle aperture and speed of itspump to generate a target pressure. Each of the units [500] is able todetermine this activation and deactivation as default if no signal ordirective is received from an external entity, watercraft or person,central control station [595] or other units [500].

In FIG. 5 the apparatus platforms [500] are each deployed with signalreceivers [570] and processing code to accept signals from approachingboats authorized to manage or service the platforms [500] and theprocessor of each of the platforms [500] will interpret those signals todeactivate its pump. An example platform [505] is placed adjacent to abarren sandbar [576] to be restored with transplanted seedlings. Anotherexample platform [506] is placed at an extreme boundary to thesouth-southwest (SSW) of a major portion of the sandbar [510].

The design or layout of apparatus platforms [500] placed in the oceanaround the sandbar and easterly current as indicated by the currentdirection [517] and compass marking [515] are to indicate that thesystem of platforms [500] have been positioned to deliver thedistribution for the most number of days over the most critical areas ofthe sandbar [510]. To do this requires knowledge of the prevailingcurrents over the sea bed, which can be obtained from local historicalrecords or from placing a few of the system platforms [500] or smallerapparatus buoys in advance to collect environmental data beforedeploying the entire network of buoys. According to the design, thecurrent gauge [522] on each apparatus platform [500] will measurecurrent direction and speed. The measurement for each platform will besent to its processor, along with water temperature at the platform andfrom remote sensors [529] in the sea bed sent to the central controlplatform [595] and then to the platforms [500], said remote sensors[529] equipped with above surface antennae. It may be that the signalssent from all remote sensors [529] cannot be received by the centralcontrol platform [595] or that signals sent from the central controlplatform [595] cannot be received by all platforms [500] in the region,due to various obstructions, but the central control platform [595] willprocess its strategy based on the information it receives and transmitto platforms [500] that receive. The central platform [595] receives thedata from each of the apparatus platforms [500], from other sensors suchas a pH gauge [529] and also receives data from regional weatherinformation sources such as a computer data feed, satellites [590] orgovernment internet reporting services for readings of the locale aswell as predictive models for regional weather. A processor at thecentral platform [595] compiles this data and determines compositeinterpretations and a best strategy for the system of apparatusplatforms [500]. The central platform [595] then signals each of theapparatus platforms [500] with directions to the processor of eachwhether to activate its pump and at what speed and for what adjustmentto its nozzle, or to deactivate its pump. The platforms [500] in thebest strategic location will be activated, while the platforms [500] inan unfavorable location will remain dormant. The strategy will account,at a minimum, for the current direction and speed to ensure for each oneof the apparatus platforms [500] directed to activate and adjust itscoil screw, pump and nozzle, that the fluid from that particularapparatus platform so directed is able to reach the sandbar [510]. Theoverall effect is to generate a distribution pattern over the sandbar.But more specifically, the manager is trying to deliver seeds to themost critical areas of the sandbar [510] where grasses are needed andbest able to grow, and under conditions where the seeds are most likelyto grow. In the case of this example, with the easterly current, theplatform [505] is able to provide seeds to the best location. At othertimes or days, the current may be flowing in a different direction andat different speed, and the central platform may determine a differentstrategy to activate different apparatus platforms [500] while leavingothers inactive. At other times or days, the current may be from a SSWdirection that makes it advantageous to activate a platform [506] thatwill provide seeds to other zones and may add some other treatment suchas sand to cover the seedlings at to the sandbar [510].

If the signal from a particular platform [500] is not received by thecentral control platform [595], then the central control platform [595]will omit its data for the current processing interpretation orinterpolate its data from the nearest platforms and historicalcomparison of platforms [500] to determine the best strategy. When thecentral control platform [595] sends a signal with directions to each ofthe apparatus platforms [500], each of the platforms [500] will processthe signal, follow the directions and return a confirmation signal tothe central platform [595]. If the central control platform [595] doesnot receive a confirmation signal from a particular platform [500] thenthe manager at the central control platform [595] may choose to wait aperiod of time to determine if the condition corrects, or may direct amanager to visually observe any deviation to the platform [500] thatwould interfere with signal transmission or reception, or visit theplatform [500] by person or boat to further maintain the platform [500]and correct the deviation.

As an authorized manger arrives at a platform [500] and presents thecorrect signal, that platform [500] will process the signal anddeactivate its coil screw and pump and send a signal to the centralcontrol platform [595]. The platforms [500] continue to monitor readingsfrom their individual sensors [520]. The data for these readings aresent by signal to the central control platform [595], which processesthe signals and stores data in a central data storage device. The entireset of data can be analyzed to determine effectiveness of the system toprovide seedlings. The entire set of data can also be analyzed to refinepredictive models of diel patterns for weather, water temperature, pH,salinity or other factors. On different days, the central controlplatform [595] processor can select secondary strategies that might havebeen predicted to be sub-optimal, to determine and analyze theeffectiveness as compared to predicted results, historical results foroptimal or comparable strategies, or theoretical estimates for whatexperts in the field may have projected, estimated or suggested. Onestrategy that can be tested is to predict pH, flooding or algal bloombased on weather forecasts, currents and time of year, historicalpatterns and whether pumps for the platforms [500] operated recently.The objective of this strategy would be to test whether distributingseeds from the platforms [500] in advance of poor periods would be amore efficient method to mitigate future harmful environmentalconditions. It is therefore an object of the system strategy to optimizeseed distribution to the target area.

It is possible to design the platforms [500] that they can be easilydetached from their mooring locations, moved to more advantageousmooring locations, or to store during or in advance of the most adverseweather conditions. The design of the platforms [500] can include aneasily accessible area to signal each platform to deactivate its pump,to detach the mooring line or replace the platform with a simple buoy,or detach a part of the platform that serves as a simple buoy to keepthe mooring line in place and accessible when the platform is moved. Inan alternate embodiment, the shape of the unit is optimized to movethrough a fluid and motor equipment is included in the unit forself-propulsion, to move the unit as it disperses seeds and therebyextend the range of dispersion. The design of the platforms [500] can beoptimized for movement, self-propulsion, transport or storage. Thesub-surface shape of the platform can be streamlined to optimize itsmovement through water, or the outside rails and bottom of the platformcan be designed to easily lift and place the platforms in a rack on aboat, or the top of the platform can also be designed to attach a coverand store the platforms in a rack within a building on land. Theapparatus units may be optimized for lift and stowage in a rack, orotherwise permit cover or placement for storage. It is possible tocollect and store the platforms in advance of gale, hurricane or otheradverse conditions. It is possible to rotate a small number of platformsthrough a multitude of locations and optimize the quantity and rate ofwater delivered relative to the number of platforms deployed.

In an embodiment, the platform [505] has an extended tube [590] thathangs from the platform toward the sea bed. A sonar device [591] on theplatform measures the depth to the sandbar below, signals the processor,which then activates a motor that retracts or extends a rope [592] thatis attached near the bottom end of the tube, so that the tube danglesover the sandbar without touching the bottom, distributing seedlings asclose as possible to the sand without disturbing the sea bed. In anotherdesign, the motor retracts or extends the tube itself. In either design,the water pumping through the tube would force the seedlings out towardthe seabed. The platform also has an outlet tube [593] just beneath thesurface that can be rotated in all compass directions, either randomlyor according to a programmed pattern. Water pumping through this outletpropels the platform along the longitude and latitude of the sandbar.The platform can have two or more tether lines [594] to constrain themovement along a corridor, an ellipse, or other shapes. The embodimentcan use GPS [595], proximity sensing to a fixed land-based transmitteror a nearby transmitter extended above the water level on a stick, orother positioning devices to record where the platform has travelled. Bythis feedback with the processor, the platform can be controlled tocover all areas or cover some areas more than others.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic depiction of an embodiment of the dispersionapparatus for placement in a swimming pool [600]. The apparatus [610] isphysically smaller than the apparatus described in other Drawings butprovides the basic functionality for controlled dispersion responsive toan environmental factor. The apparatus [610] is a self-contained,water-tight and ornamental unit that floats in the swimming pool [600],and serves as a more robust management system than the chlorinedispensers that are commonplace. Water management for a swimming pool ismore complex than simply adding chlorine. The objective is to killbacteria, but the chlorine used to kill bacteria must be balanced withinthe overall pH of the water. Five key measurements are free availablechlorine, total chlorine residual, pH, total alkalinity, or calciumhardness. Free available chlorine is used to disinfect and oxidizepathogens. But high chlorine irritates the skin and eyes. The right pHlevel is needed to make the chlorine effective, and both pH and chlorinelevels will affect the pool fixtures and finish. Total alkalinity andcalcium hardness can affect pH. A robust management system would includesensors to measure these different factors, shown as sensors [621] [622][623] [624] and [625]. The apparatus [610] also has five compartments todistribute chemicals. Compartment [631] contains granular chlorine thatis kept dry in the compartment until the coil screw mixes it with wateras it dispenses. Compartment [632] contains cyanuric acid thatstabilizes the chlorine. Compartment [633] contains calcium hypochloriteto adjust pH. Compartment [634] contains algaecide to suppress surfacealgae. Compartment [635] contains muriatic acid to also adjust pH.

The float [610] contains solar panels [640], interior of the sensors[621] [622] [623] [624] and [625], compartments [631] [632] [633] [634]and [635], device wiring, power converter and mechanics of the pump. Thesolar panels [640] collect solar energy and the power conversion unitconverts this to energy to power the sensors [621] [622] [623] [624] and[625], coil screws for the compartments [631] [632] [633] [634] and[635], and the water pump. It is possible to engineer the powerconverter to provide priority power through circuitry or by including aprocessor to devices such as sensors before the pump but otherwiseoperate the pump as long as there is power sufficient to activate thepump, referred here as “on demand” operation. It is also possiblethrough circuitry or by including a processor to prioritize power todevices such as sensors before the pump, but then only activate the pumpwhen power is above a set point, so that the pump will only activatewhen sunlight is greater than a minimum intensity. Another sensor [626]that reads water level will act as an interrupt that prevents the pumpfrom activating if there is insufficient water in the basin to operatethe pump. It is possible to engineer the circuitry for this interruptfunction or to code a processor to accept an interrupt signal andexecute directions to deactivate the pump when water level is too lowand reactivate the pump when the water level rises above the minimumlevel. Another proximity sensor [627] interrupts the operation if aperson is within an unsafe distance to the unit [610], to ensurechemicals will not be dispensed. The unit [610] can use an extensiontube to dispense the chemicals well beneath the water and permit abetter dissolution before a person interacts with the mixture dispensed.When the pump operates, it sucks water through the opening [665] in thebottom of the unit [610] and propels it through the outlet [667] of theunit [610] into the water. In general, an embodiment can be designed tosense, test or measure the presence or quantity of a chemical orman-made substance as the independent variable that serves as a basis todetermine the distribution or material dispersed. For this embodiment,the apparatus provides a controlled distribution from severalcompartments into an aqueous solution, the distribution responsive toindependent environmental variables, for example the proximity orcontact of people to the unit [610].

In an alternate embodiment, the unit [610] has a self-propulsion designto sample and manage more areas of the pool. In an alternate embodiment,the unit [610] has a timer mechanism to manage the distribution moreeffectively relative to when people are in the pool. In an alternateembodiment, the unit [610] has identifying information to inhibit theft,or positioning equipment that will make the unit [610] inoperable if itis moved a distance from the pool or a central controller.

It is possible to include with the unit [610] a switch, or a receiver toreceive a signal that can interrupt the switching or processor toprovide an on/off switch to the pump, or to change the set points forwhen the pump will activate. It is possible to integrate a separatesignal transmitter that is fixed or hand-held, or to integrate intoexisting processors and controllers such as security systems, TVremotes, or computers, or to connect a transmitter to a computer to becontrolled through the internet.

An alternate embodiment uses a different design and size of the unit[610] so that it will fit any source of open water, such as a lake or ahot tub. It is an object of the embodiment to provide a flexibleapparatus that can be used and moved to manage different locations. Analternate embodiment changes the design to appear as a frog or somethingplayful, common or ornamental.

The descriptions contained herein of the specific embodiments reveal thegeneral nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledgewithin the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for variousapplications of such specific embodiments, without undue experimentationand without departing from the general concept of the present invention.Therefore, such adaptation and modifications are intended to be withinthe meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, basedon the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is understood that thephraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description andnot of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of thepresent specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan inlight of the teachings and guidance. While the foregoing has been setforth in considerable detail, it is to be understood that the drawingsand detailed embodiments are presented for elucidation and notlimitation. Design variations, especially in matters of shape, size andarrangements of parts may be made but are within the principles of theinvention. Those skilled in the art will realize that such changes ormodifications of the invention or combinations of elements, variations,equivalents or improvements therein are still within the scope of theinvention as defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

1. An apparatus, comprising: a. a buoy; b. a sensor to measure a changeof an environmental event; c. a compartment capable to contain material;d. a release mechanism to release material from a compartment into afluid; e. a nozzle mechanism mounted to the buoy, the nozzle operable todisperse a fluid; and f. a control in communication with the sensor, thecompartment, the release mechanism and the nozzle, and the controloperable to activate the release mechanism and to adjust the nozzlemechanism in proportion to the environmental event.
 2. (canceled)
 3. Theapparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a nozzle with anadjustable aperture where a quantity of material is measured and thecontrol is further operable to adjust the aperture of the nozzlemechanism proportionate to said measurement and proportionate to theenvironmental event.
 4. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, where anenvironmental event is at least one of natural phenomena that includetemperature, pH, oxygen level, carbon dioxide level, sunlight, current,wind, tide, wave, or weather.
 5. The apparatus as recited in claim 1,where a nozzle of said apparatus is adjusted by at least one of opening,closing, turning, rotating, spinning, extending or retracting inaddition to adjusting the size of the aperture of said nozzle inproportion to the environmental event.
 6. The apparatus as recited inclaim 1, where said material is seeds or seedlings of seagrasses.
 7. Theapparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one sensor isdisplaced from the apparatus.
 8. The apparatus as recited in claim 1where at least one activity of said apparatus is logged to a data file.9. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, where said control furtheradjusts based on a predictive model formed from at least one of anactivity of said apparatus, an environmental event and historical data.10. A method to disperse a mix of fluid and material from a buoy,comprising: determining a change of an environmental event; activating arelease mechanism in a compartment to mix material with a fluid;adjusting the speed of a pump for said fluid; and adjusting a nozzlemechanism in proportion to the change of the environmental event todisperse the mixture.
 11. The method as recited in claim 10 where atleast one activity or at least one measurement of the resulting effectis formed into a presentation or display.
 12. The method as recited inclaim 10 where at least one of the activation of a release mechanism orthe adjustment of a nozzle mechanism can be further modified by signalscreated through interaction by a manager, operator, driver, orinterested parties.
 13. The method as recited in claim 10 wherein amultiple buoy apparatus is networked together to deliver a total effectover an area.
 14. The method as recited in claim 10 where the change ofan environmental event is the presence or amount of a chemical orman-made substance.
 15. The method as recited in claim 10 where thechange of an environmental event is at least one of the presence of aliving creature, proximity of a living creature, or motion of a livingcreature.
 16. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising apump operable to produce a flow of aqueous solution into which thematerial is released and wherein the aperture of the nozzle mechanism isadjustable, wherein the control is further operable to adjust both theaperture of the nozzle mechanism and the speed of the pump proportionateto the environmental event.